Just weeks ago, we were all rejoicing about how the earth was healing. However, we were quick enough to adjust to the ‘new normal’ and had new ways of contributing to the pollution and destruction of the Earth. We may have lessened air pollution but there was an increase in land and water pollution. 

Deliveries and Food Packs

Due to the pandemic, we were put in community quarantine and in order to cope up with not being able to dine out, a lot of households resorted to food deliveries. However, this resulted in tons of single-use food packs and cartons being piled up in the waste bins. These are alarming since most food packages still have plastic linings, which takes years to degrade.

Face Masks and Medical Supplies

Aside from this, medical waste is becoming a serious problem since not only is it non-biodegradable but it is also highly-infectious. “There is also another category of waste coming from households, which includes masks, that may be potentially infectious,” Crispian Lao, National Solid Waste Management Commission vice chair stated in an article published by Inquirer.

It was reported that the ocean is being filled up with used face masks and other medical supplies. According to an article published by The Independent on April 16, 2020, face masks and gloves can somehow end up in the water systems. Fish, turtles, seabirds, and other marine animals may think of it as their food and eat it which could eventually kill them.

Proper Waste Management

Nevertheless, we can do something about it. Here’s how we can help manage and reduce wastes in our ways. 

• Properly segregate and dispose face masks, gloves, and other medical supplies to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use eco-friendly materials. There are food packages that are better than plastic and styrofoam containers. 

• Learn to reduce, reuse, recycle, and upcycle. Save those tupperwares for another use. Sometimes we do not notice that we do not have to throw away everything right after one use. Also, avoid asking for plastic cutleries if possible. 
• Segregate your waste. Help your community waste collectors by doing segregation in your own households. This way, it would be easier for them to properly dispose of it. 
• For business establishments, do not take advantage of the situation and dump discharges and wastes in the rivers just because no one’s watching.

We cannot specifically blame anyone for these wastes since it is innate to us to use the Earth’s resources and produce waste. That’s how life really works but we must be responsible with our actions. We must help protect the environment because at the end of the day, it is us who will suffer the most.

Sources:

Waste segregation more crucial amid pandemic

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/coronavirus-masks-gloves-oceans-pollution-waste-a9469471.html

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Author
Sophia Orlanes
Features editor